(nothing is a waste of time if you use the experience wisely. ~Auguste Rodin)

Saturday, September 1, 2012

Back in Action - In the Bathroom

We're ba-ack! Yep, after a very long hiatus, we're back in action at the HSS. Updating and renovating a fixer is much more draining than HGTV leads one to believe. After hitting the ground running when we moved in two years ago (what?!) and having the speed bump of the flooded floors set us back and knock the wind out of our sails, we needed to take a break. As you know, we did minor updates (painting, adding some furniture and appliances, etc.), but we haven't done a big update since those floors (x2). So we were due. And now here we are. In the bathroom.

Yes, we're starting things off in the second bathroom. I'll remind you of what it looked like around move-in time... you'll recall this glorious wallpaper sample:

(first week in the HSS: scrubbing wallpaper glue off the bathroom walls)

(the true "before shot" of the bathroom -- from the online listing of our unit)

After today's efforts (all Dave's), here's where we stand:

(Jetsons-style faucet/Hot & Cold knobs)

(linen closet -- was also wallpapered)

(close-up of the tile)

(stunning gold-hued tin-like light fixture)

(ugly vanity that will be given a face-lift)

(Dave's safety footwear)

(I'm not even a little bit kidding about this: Dave's safety goggles)

We've decided to face-lift the existing bathroom, rather than gutting it and starting over. We're trying to salvage as much as we can, and with minimal investment bring this bathroom into the present. As such, we're looking to keep the existing tile, paint the vanity, and paint the walls. We'll replace the faucet and the lighting, and add new towel racks and hardware. Working with the existing tile and tub/sink will have to guide our color choices... a plan is coming together. Stay tuned for more updates soon!